Monte Fortin, an elevation dotted with vineyards and with a view stretching from the Karst, Monte San Michele/Debela griža to Gorizia/Gorica, Sabotin, Calvario/Kalvarija, was considered an important defensive and strategic point during World War I. The artillery galleries built by the Italian Army in 1915 bear witness to this. Due to the movement of the front line after the Sixth Isonzo Battle, the positions were abandoned, which contributed to the preservation of the complex. It was built by quarrying crushed sandstone from the hillside. The stability of the arch was ensured by the addition of reinforced concrete. The complex consists of a tunnel connecting the two sides of the elevation in an east-west direction. The main north-south tunnel runs across it. Nine artillery gun posts (one of which is closed) are arranged along the latter. Three are directed towards Gorizia, three towards the confluence of the Vipacco/Vipava and the Isonzo/Soča rivers, and three towards Monte San Michele. The openings are braced by reinforced concrete portals to provide good protection for the soldiers against enemy artillery fire. At the entrance to the complex stands a peace monument entitled “Numquam in bello”, work of the artist Luigi Voltolina. The monument was erected to commemorate the centenary of World War I, depicting two soldiers shaking hands and standing over the remains of a destroyed weapon.
Follow the State Road 351 from Gorizia/Gorica in the direction of Gradisca dʼIsonzo/Gradišče ob Soči, pass the village of Mainizza and proceed in the direction of Villanova di Farra. In the settlement turn right onto SP 10 and then after a while, right onto Via Contessa Beretta, which leads to the eastern slope of the elevation Monte Fortin. Follow the road Riva della Grotta and then turn right onto a dirt road that climbs the slopes, cultivated with vineyards, to the entrance of the cannon tunnel. This area is the private property of the Tenuta Villanova estate, so it is only possible to visit it by prior arrangement, accompanied by the owners, who will also provide safety helmets.
Società Agricola Tenuta Villanova Srl
Via Contessa Beretta, 29
I– 34072 Farra d’Isonzo (GO)
+39 0481 889313, +39 0481 889311
tenuta@tenutavillanova.com
